Effectiveness of Behavioral Modification Move (Managing Overweight and Obesity for Veterans Everywhere) Program at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Hospital

Abstract

Text: Obesity is a major health problem in the United States, especially among the veteran population. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the MOVE (Managing Overweight/Obesity for Veterans Everywhere) Behavioral Modification (Level 2) program at the Minneapolis VA Hospital and determine whether the program helps patients achieve and sustain weight loss goals, initially and after six to nine months. The study design was two-fold: retrospective cohort study of the MOVE program participation on weight loss, and analysis of the anonymous patient satisfaction surveys upon completion of the program. Data analysis revealed that 62.6% (n 52) (95% CI 51.2-72.1%) participants lost at least 2% body weight and 34.6% (n 18) lost at least 5% upon completion of the 10-week program. Also, 39.1% (n 27) (95% CI 27.650.6%) lost at least 2% and 40.7% (n 11) lost at least 5% at six to nine months. Participants in the 10-week MOVE program lost more mean weight at six to nine months than participants in one-time MOVE class. The difference between sample mean weight change between two groups was 11.163 32.98 (n 69) compared to 0.255 9.43 (n 76), p .05. Most of the participants were satisfied with Behavioral Modification MOVE program and have changed their eating habits toward healthier lifestyle as a result of the program. Programs similar to MOVE could be implemented everywhere for both veteran and non-veteran populations with its primary focus on disease prevention, improving health and reducing the rates of complications associated with obesity.